Search For Intellectually Disabled Man Narrowed

Published March 1st, 2014

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OCKLAWAHA - A more focused search for an Ocklawaha man who is missing continues. What puts his life even more in danger is that he has the mental capacity of a 3-year-old. Tips from the public are helping law enforcement narrow the search.

This is the 5th day that family and friends have not heard anything of Johnny Radabaugh Jr. He went missing Tuesday afternoon. While Johnny is an adult of 48-years-old he is also intellectually disabled, making his journey back home a little more difficult.

“Missing Endangered Adult" is what many signs in Ocklawaha read. "And he was last seen Tuesday working his way across a couple of properties into the forest area heading this way... Into the ocala National Park," Lieutenant Bill Sowder with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said.

Johnny Radabaugh Jr. and his family were doing yard work when he wandered off Tuesday afternoon. Over 100 volunteers making up about 30 teams and the Marion County Sheriff's Office gathered to help look for him.

After searching all week, they now have a better idea as to where he might be. Lieutenant Sowder said, "The neighbor that we found out about today, identified him positively knew him by name called out to him on Tuesday but he kept walking at that time the neighbor did not know he was a runaway at that time."

The Sheriff’s office is concentrating their search efforts to the northeast area of the Ocala National Park. And at this point they don't suspect any foul play. In fact, this isn't the first time Johnny has disappeared however it is the longest time he's been gone. Kim Radabaugh his mom said, "The first time was ten minutes, the second time was a couple of hours, and the third time was seven hours... This one just went way longer and he just gets distracted and gets to walking and gets turned around and then he's gone past our yard and then he's lost."

Volunteers brought out their all-terrain vehicles to help them get through deep water and other parts of the forest. Johnnie Walker a volunteer said, "And if I can do any service to this community to help find this gentleman... I would certainly love to find him."

He was last seen wearing a yellow shirt with dark pants that have red and yellow cars on them; along with back clogs.

Sandra Aldridge Johnny’s aunt said, "Tonight before you go to bed go out and check your property, check any open vehicles you may have... Any shed areas any porches. Just check to make sure no one has been on your property."

If you happen to know anything about Johnny or his location please don't hesitate in contacting the Marion County Sheriff’s office at 352-732-9111.